Country News

Southern Cross, Volume 2, Issue 26, 22 September 1894, Page 12

Country News

HBDGEHOPE.

[Prom our own Correspondent.] Having had a severe attack of whooping cough, and later influenza, followed up by a bad cold, I was prevented from sending you a report of the business transacted at several meeting of our local Farmers’ Club. The auctioneers raising the commission on stock had received a good deal of condemnation at a meeting some weeks ago, when the debate was adjourned pending the decision of other clubs. At the monthly meeting on Saturday last communications were received from the various clubs protesting against the increase, and it v/as unanimously agreed to support only the firms which would sell for 2£ percent. The secretary, who attended the meeting of delegates in Invercargill on the Bth, explained what steps had been taken regarding the binder twine controversy, and a resolution was passed asking our representative (Mr McNab) to ass Ist in having the fifteen per cent, duty removed. Southland’s meagre representation in the Legislative Council has also been threshed out at great length, the debate having been carried on for the last four meetings. The following was the motion which has been declared lost ;—That in the opinion of this Farmers’ Club Southland ia entitled to another representative in jthe Legislative Council, and that the Government be requested, whenMurther appointments are being made, to select one from the farming community, and we strongly recommend Mr Andrew Kinross to represent us in the Liberal interests. The majority concluded that no appointments are likely to be made for some time and such a request coming from our Club alone would; have no effect. This is a matter 1 strongly recommend to all the Farmers’ Clubs in Southland for consideration.

The selection cf high-class stallions in both classes at the annual parade for this district was next discussed, and it was ultimately agreed that a strong deputation of farmers attend the parade with the view of inducing some of the very best blood obtainable in Southland to patronise the Hedgehope district.

Thanks be to the Hon. J. G. Ward for his masterly budget, as we conclude our longfelt want of railway communication will soon be a thing of the past.

I am sorry to report the death of one of our most esteemed settlers—Mr Alexander McKay, of Dunsdale, after a long and tedious illness. His remains were laid in the Eastern Cemetery on Monday, 10th inst., and were followed by a large number of relatives and friends. The deceased leaves a widow to mourn his loss.